Tough economic times and rising rent prices are taking a toll on at least one local business.
Ready, Set, Grow on Coverdale Road in Riverview will close its doors next month.
“Honestly, it’s been a really rough time for retail. I think, as everybody can imagine, our sales have been down in the last six months, and pretty significantly from last year. I would say that we have just as many people coming through the door, as we always have, but discretionary spending is way down. It’s the economy and it’s parents having to save money,” says Owner Elizabeth Stacey.
She says they hoped things would improve and have been riding things out, but they recently were hit with a rent increase that they couldn’t absorb with the decrease in sales.
“So, we were given no other options than to close, which is heartbreaking. It was such a very, very difficult decision for us.”
She adds that she has spoken with other businesses who are also struggling.
“We have such a beautiful store. We love our little store, and it’s such a shame.”
Stacey says this closure impacts not only three staff members but also customers, consignors and others, including several crafters who featured their products in the store as well.
They have to be out of their unit on Coverdale Road on October 15, so they’ll officially close their doors on October 5th.
“If people want to help, just come out and support. It helps all of our consigners that are in-store clean out, and it will put more money in all the mom’s pockets who are currently consigning and all of our vendors as well. If you want to see our economy do well, we really need to support local businesses.”
